The Site includes two islands off Spitsbergen – Nordre Isøya and Isøykalven – several smaller islets and the surrounding sea. Nordre Isøya, the northern island, is covered with rich, grassy vegetation and small freshwater ponds, while Isøykalven, the southern island, supports less-developed vegetation. The area is among the most important localities of Spitsbergen for breeding barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) and common eider (Somateria mollissima). Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) regularly visit the Site. The Site has some value in shoreline stabilization. Limited traditional collection of eider down and eggs is permitted. The Site is not used for recreation or tourism, and the regulations for the nature reserve ban visits from 15 May to 15 August because of the birds’ breeding season. Any increase in tourism, as well as oil spills from ships and oil and gas development projects in this part of the Arctic, would threaten the Site’s ecological character.